As we continue our move through Washington Wine Month we share one of the consistently good producers of red wines in the SoDo district of Seattle, Structure Cellars. One of the things I have been most impressed by this winery is the very low price that they offer the consumer considering the quality in the bottle. Headed by Brian and Brandee Grasso, many of Structure’s wines fall under 40 dollars. For a small winery, these are prices hard to come by. Brian’s soiree into the wine industry included previously working as a somm and then moving to acclaimed Woodinville winery, Baer, before training under Chris Sparkman of Sparkman Cellars before starting his own winery. Brian is one of the great, down to earth, characters in the Washington wine industry. He is an absolute delight to chat wine with.
A few days ago I visited their SoDo district winer and tasted through their wines which were largely sourced from the 2017 vintage, a more moderate vintage for red wines. These wines were consistently good across the board. I really enjoyed the 2017 Structure Cellars ‘The Newel’ Red Wine (WWB, 91) which has great richness and is a downright killer value for under 30 dollars. Even better was the 2017 Structure Cellars ‘Foundation’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) which shows some great tension and black fruit flavors as the wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Learn more about these excellent wines at structurecellars.com Here are the great new wines by Structure Cellars.
2018 Structure Cellars Viognier- Sourced from the Destiny Ridge and Wallula Vineyards this opens with honeysuckle with shades of pear and vanilla cream. The freshness is lovely as the long vanilla cream finish lingers long on the palate. This is fantastic stuff. Drink 2019-2023- 91
2017 Structure Cellars ‘The Newel’ Red Wine- A blend of Syrah and Cabernet Franc, this opens with very pretty red rose petals with shades of blueberry cordial and black tea that all build on the nose. The freshness is fantastic as the smooth texture entices. Black tea, exotic spices and blueberry all entice on the palate. A delight to savor now, this is. best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2017 Structure Cellars ‘Piloti’ Caberent Franc-The ‘Piloti’ opens straight out of the gate with bright blue fruits with sandalwood and shades of black tea on the nose. The texture here is outstanding as blackberry pie, coffee grounds and hints of of blueberry compote all mingle together on the palate. The freshness and texture is outstanding. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2017 Structure Cellars ‘Craftsman’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Craftsman’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a really good effort and value by Structure Cellars. On the nose this begins with black tea with blackberry pie and coffee grounds that all build in the glass. The palate has a silky texture, unveiling black fruits that dance with licorice and minerals. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2017 Structure Cellars ‘Foundation’ Cabernet Franc- The 2017 ‘Foundation’ Cabernet Franc is another great release by the talented Brian Grasso. Immediately you are attracted to the very pretty aromatics with violets that collide with shades of black forest cake and licorice that all ,mingle together on the nose. The texture is soft and inviting unveiling black tea, Asian spices, blackberry pie and hints of damp earth. Showing a good sense of minerality this will cellar well for a decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91
2017 Structure Cellars ‘Foundation’ Syrah- The ‘Foundation’ Syrah shows lovely exotic spices with black tea and licorice aromas with shades of blackberry compote that all build in the glass. The soft texture is lovely with blackberry pie, mocha, and tar flavors. Drink 2019-2025- 91
2017 Structuere Cellars ‘Foundation’ Mourvedre- The spicy and smoky aromatics grip you immediately as the wine shows off bright red and dark fruits on this impressive bouquet. The palate is soft and decadent with smoked meats, red currant and blackberry pie flavors. This is seriously good stuff by the talented Brian Grasso. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2017 Structure Cellars ‘Foundation’ Malbec- The 2017 ‘Foundation’ Malbec is another fantastic new wine by Brian Grasso and Structure Cellars. On the nose this takes on mulling spices with blueberry compote and shades of mill chocolate that all build in the glass. The palate is plush showing off a soft mouthfeel. Black tea, blackberry compote and shades of mocha all fill the palate. Enjoy this fantastic bottling over the next decade. Drink k20109-2029- 91
2017 Structure Cellars ‘Foundation’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Foundation’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another stellar bottling by Structure Cellars. On the nose this evokes blackberry cobbler with shades of sandalwood and sagebrush that all meld together in the glass. There is a great sense of balance on the palate as the wine shows good sense of mineraity and weight. Black tea, exotic spices, dusty terroir and shades of blackberry compote all mingle nicely together on the palate. Drink 2019-2029- 92